Design really matters

Design Source International is a leading local design firm that is committed to help businesses achieve their goals, with style. The Malta Business Weekly spoke to Carlo Schembri and Stefania Ciantar

Interior designers must have a thorough understanding of efficient space planning, human factors, colour, pattern, lighting, furniture, and materials. These elements are essential to the creation of profitable and effective commercial spaces. This is the role of the interior designer summed-up. Yet, designers must be sensitive to the needs of the individual business operators and have to have an eye for what their individual customers require.
Design Source International (DSI Malta) is a local design firm that truly believes that it has to work directly with the client to achieve common goals.
“The interior designer transforms living and working environments into functional and pleasing surroundings. Knowledge of colour, texture, lighting, and space is essential in the planning of both residential and commercial areas,” says Carlo Schembri, head designer and managing director of DSI.
“However another important factor is to capture the functionality of the place you are designing and put yourself in the shoes of the operators and their customers,” Mr Schembri says.
Although many variables other than design come into play when analysing a business property’s profitability, including the concept, the marketing, the management, and the location, both the ambience and appearance of a property are important factors in enhancing the customer’s experience and inducing a return visit. When the cost-saving elements of good design, in relation to enhanced operating efficiencies, are taken into account as well, the impact of interior design is greater.
Good design can affect financial performance in more ways than one. A well-designed outlet gives a positive feeling to customers, thereby creating positive first impressions, strong word of mouth and, in due course, more repeat visits. A property whose back-of-house is well spaced out can produce greater operating efficiencies, thereby reducing costs. Well-designed environments that are pleasant to work in can increase staff morale and productivity, decrease staff turnover and recruiting expenses, and, in the end, put a significant cut in the labour costs of running a hotel.
Mr Schembri wants DSI to be the number one design firm in Malta.
“To establish ourselves as the local number one design company by producing creative and original work at the best reasonable price, while developing excellent client relations. That’s our mission statement,” Mr Schembri says.
Stefania Ciantar, also designer and director with DSI, says that the company truly advocates this philosophy: “DSI Malta strongly believes in establishing a positive working relationship with its clients, suppliers and craftsmen so as to attain a perfect result,” she says.
Both Carlo and Stefania say that it is a pity that local businessmen commission foreign design firms to create spaces that local firms can easily and professionally do.
“On the other hand, we are constantly being asked by foreign companies to propose our concepts for foreigners,” Mr Schembri says.
“Local businesses should have more faith in young and dynamic companies such as DSI. We travel a lot and we are sensitive to the clients’ needs. We also can provide continuous support and advice, since we are based in Malta,” he adds.
Over the years, DSI has proven that its work is comparable to that of foreign firms and consultants. Local projects such as the catering establishments within the Portomaso Marina, the Riviera Resort, Empire Cinemas, and a number of outlets in Bay Street – all confirm the high standard of work and dedication shown by DSI. At present, DSI is working on the refurbishment of a four-star hotel in Monastir, Tunisia.
Ms Ciantar says their style varies according to the clients’ needs. However, the blend of contemporary and classical designs is in demand, mainly because it allows for a longer life-span. Today many companies and establishments are becoming more image-conscious and therefore their expectations are higher, she says.
Carlo adds: “What we work on is going to be lived in, sat upon, looked at, talked about, operated, or in some way used by people. We will have succeeded only if people feel more comfortable and motivated in the environment they are in.”
Mr Schembri set up DSI Malta in 1996 after having studied interior, architectural and industrial design abroad. During his career, Carlo specialised in the hospitality and leisure industry and has delivered solutions covering the initial concept up to furniture design.
From a one-man band, DSI Malta increased to a young and energetic team of six people. The firm operates from two offices, one located in Malta and another in London. Last year DSI Malta was chosen as one of the top four designers awarded the best bar design out of 500 European participants at the Bar Exhibition 2000 organised by UDV and held at the London Design Centre.
DSI can be contacted on telephone 441442 or mobile 7990 0000, or e-mail desource@maltanet.net